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Asakusa Bell of TimeDuring the Edo period, the time in Japan was announced with bell chimes. Obviously, there was a need for some “official” time bells - these were the toki no kane 「時の鐘」, “Bells of Time". The most famous toki-no-kane, located in Asakusa, survived until today and can be seen at the Senso-ji Temple. The bell, re-casted in 1692 by Makino Narisada at the request of the Shogun Tokugawa Tsunayoshi, is 2.12 meters tall and 1.52 meters in diameter and during the Edo period people were able to hear it from far away.2011: The Year in Photos, Part 3 of 3 - Alan Taylor - In Focus2011 was a year of global tumult, marked by widespread social and political uprisings, economic crises, and a great deal more. We saw the fall of multiple dictators, welcomed a new country (South Sudan), witnessed our planet's population grow to 7 billion, and watched in horror as Japan was struck by a devastating earthquake, a tsunami, and a nuclear disaster. From the Arab Spring to Los Indignados to Occupy Wall Street, citizens around the world took to the streets in massive numbers, protesting against governments and financial institutions, risking arrest, injury, and in some cases their lives. Collected here is Part 3 of a three-part photo summary of the last year, covering 2011's last months.

Wealthiest Americans of All TimeOpen any major news site or newspaper these days, and chances are pretty good you’ll be reading about entrepreneurs-turned-celebrities Mark Zuckerberg, Dennis Crowley or Andrew Mason (who recently shocked us all by turning down Google’s $6 billion offer for his company, Groupon). Sure enough, those young folks are truly fascinating: still in their 20s or early 30s, internet revolutionaries, millionaires. Look at the big picture, though, and you’ll realize that at least when it comes to personal wealth, they still have a long way to go. And probably will.

Photos of FenhuanBy Saif on March 12, 2011 Fenhuan considered one of the 10 most beautiful cities in China. The city was founded during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Originally the town was inhabited by soldiers sent to subdue the local Miao people.100 French Food/Drink Words and PhrasesIt's Bastille Day! If only your 10th grade French teacher had taught you what you really need to know — impressing that special someone at the restaurant where you’re maxing out your credit card. Don’t let that stop you though, because what they say is true: France is a haven for food and wine enthusiasts of all levels, and French cuisine is a palate-expanding experience everyone should have. Try out some of my extensive choice vocabulary for avoiding snails, raw beef and frogs’ legs (although why would you want to?) or honing the basics for customizing your steak-frites and procuring the right water. Yes, you read that correctly.

2011: The Year in Photos, Part 2 of 3 - Alan Taylor - In Focus2011 was a year of global tumult, marked by widespread social and political uprisings, economic crises, and a great deal more. We saw the fall of multiple dictators, welcomed a new country (South Sudan), witnessed our planet's population grow to 7 billion, and watched in horror as Japan was struck by a devastating earthquake, a tsunami, and a nuclear disaster. From the Arab Spring to Los Indignados to Occupy Wall Street, citizens around the world took to the streets in massive numbers, protesting against governments and financial institutions, risking arrest, injury, and in some cases their lives. Collected here is Part 2 of a three-part photo summary of the last year, covering 2011's middle months.

USA & EnvironmentIn the spirit of two popular infographics that map out the best and worst of all 50 U.S. states — the United States of Awesome and the United States of Shame — MNN decided to see how each state shines or suffers in regard to environmental and public health. Our "United States of the Environment" maps depict each state's No. 1 and No. 50 ranking for issues such as conservation, agriculture, energy efficiency, disease prevalence, pollution, natural resource availability and education, among others. Check out the two maps below, and see our list of states, stats and sources for more information. Sources for "good U.S." map:Alabama: Lowest rate of alcohol abuse or dependence (U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) Alaska: Most wetlands (U.S. Geological Survey) Arizona: Most solar power potential (USA Today, National Climatic Data Center) Arkansas: Home of Buffalo River, first U.S.

Eight ways China is changing your world14 October 2012Last updated at 21:38 ET By Angus Foster BBC News, Beijing China's ruling Communist Party meets from 8 November to rubber-stamp sweeping changes that will put in place the country's leaders for the next 10 years. Here are eight reasons - eight being an auspicious number in China - why the world should pay attention to what happens in the secretive corridors of Beijing's Great Hall of the People. It is now 35 years since former leader Deng Xiaoping's catchy slogan signalled China's opening to the world and ushered in one of the biggest economic success stories in human history.

Paris for the Indie TravelerTraveling to Paris? It’s been labelled the most beautiful, romantic, fashionable, cultural, artistic, delicious, and expensive city in the world. Where do you start? For a city that’s been stereotyped so much over time, it really is about throwing yourself right in, being willing to walk (a lot!)

2011: The Year in Photos, Part 1 of 3 - Alan Taylor - In Focus2011 was a year of global tumult, marked by widespread social and political uprisings, economic crises, and a great deal more. We saw the fall of multiple dictators, welcomed a new country (South Sudan), witnessed our planet's population grow to 7 billion, and watched in horror as Japan was struck by a devastating earthquake, a tsunami, and a nuclear disaster. From the Arab Spring to Los Indignados to Occupy Wall Street, citizens around the world took to the streets in massive numbers, protesting against governments and financial institutions, risking arrest, injury, and in some cases their lives. Collected here is Part 1 of a three-part photo summary of the last year, covering 2011's first several months. Be sure to also see Part 2, and Part 3 of the series - totaling 120 images in all. [40 photos + 1 more]